87. Finding Khushi (Part 42 onwards)

Part 42 Part 1

Mehendi was planned at RM, with the men expected to vanish & leave the women to beautify themselves.

Poor Ganesh, unused to the devious thinking of NK, Arnav, Gaurav, & Akash, drove Anamika to RM in the morning & obediently went off to work, burying himself behind his camera.

Gaurav phoned him. “Papa, Mama is having her mehendi done.”

“Haan…” Ganesh murmured uncertainly.

“You should be here!” Gaurav said.

“Gaurav, err…Mami said that men are not allowed…” Ganesh explained.

“Papa, you need to start watching movies with Khushiji. Men are supposed to peek at the women & try to gatecrash the function.” He explained the facts of life to Ganesh.

“Really?” asked a confused Ganesh.

“Really.” Gaurav stressed. “Will you come over now? You can’t let the boys’ side down!”

“Chill.” Ganesh smiled. “I will be there.” He asked, “Gaurav, you took your medicines today, didn’t you?”

“Yes, Papa.”

“I don’t want you tiring yourself making arrangements for the wedding.” Ganesh was firm on the point. “The minute you feel tired, you rest. Got it?”

“Yes, Papa.” said Papa’s boy with a smile. “But will you come now?”

“Yes.” Ganesh said. “I will be there as soon as I can.”

“Bhai, where are you?” Akash asked anxiously.

“In the office. Where else will I be at this time?” Arnav asked. “Have you finished going through the Singhania file, Akash? I need it. Send it to the office through Mohan.”

“Bhai, forget about the Singhania file.” Akash advised. “I never thought you would go to the office today. Why did you…? Bhai, it is mehendi today!”

Arnav frowned. “Mehendi is for ladies, isn’t it? Why aren’t you here? Are you working from home today?”

“I am not working today, Bhai. And neither are you. You are getting married only once, and today is your only mehendi. Please come home soon.” Akash beseeched.

Arnav frowned. He opened his mouth to refuse Akash, but before he could speak, NK snatched the phone from Akash.

“Nannav, it is a shame that you aren’t here. Khushiji is here. She is looking beautiful in a green lehenga…..” he paused, smiling.

Arnav swallowed.

“She was asking for you, and Di was teasing her, saying that you had left her alone and gone away. But it is OK. You have work to do. How can Nannav Singh Raizada waste half a day staring at his gorgeous bride writing his name on her palm with henna?” NK teased.

Arnav cut the call.

NK looked at his watch. “Nannav will be here in 30 mins. I bet you a packet of Lays.”

The doorbell rang. HP went to open the door.

“Ganeshji or Chotey?” Anjali asked the ladies, a naughty smile on her face. “Who has reached home first?”

All giggled, especially Anamika & Khushi.

They watched Ganesh walk into the house, and stand undecided in the corridor. NK dragged him by the hand up the stairs, & Ganesh followed him, turning his head to smile sheepishly at Anamika who was having a fight to control her giggles. Khushi nudged her, and laughed along with all the ladies.

As Ganesh vanished up the steps, the bell rang again.

“Chotey!” declared his fond sister.

Khushi blushed.

“Hai Re Nandkisore!” Buaji exclaimed as HP opened the door to Arnav.

All smiled.

Arnav stole a look at Khushi, and stood mesmerised. NK ran down the steps, and tried to pull him by his arm. But Arnav refused to budge till he had looked his fill. Green lehenga, green choli with golden dots. Red dupatta… matching the blush on her cheeks.

“Nannav…Nannav…” NK tried to get his attention.

“Hhmmm…?” asked Arnav.

“Let’s go up to your room.” he invited.

Arnav followed him with great reluctance.

“How shall we get into the hall?” asked NK. “Anamikaji & Khushiji won’t object. Payal bhabi will shut her eyes to us sneaking in. But Naniji, Maasi, & Di… and Buaji….” He stuttered to a stop.

Akash frowned. “How to get in without being caught? The mehendi girls and the ladies from the neighbourhood…… The hall is filled with them.”

“What shall we do?” Gaurav asked Scooby, who barked in excitement.

They thought for a while.

“Idea!” Gaurav exclaimed. All eyes turned on him. “Let’s send Scooby down. When he sees all the ladies, he will get excited and run around barking. That will scare the ladies. Then we can slip in unnoticed.”

NK frowned. “Scooby is  a puppy, not a ferocious bulldog to scare the ladies.”

“And if there is peda on any of the plates…” Arnav smiled.

All smiled thinking of Scooby’s fondness for the sweet.

“How shall we get in?” NK paced the length & breadth of the room, racking his brains.

“It is a function only for ladies.” Ganesh murmured. “Mamiji told me so.”

Arnav sat back, watching the fun.

“Even if we sneak in, we will be caught.” Akash said.

“If we dress as women….?” NK suggested.

Gaurav looked at his broken limbs, and sighed. “A lady with a broken hand & leg? They will catch on fast.”

“And  a lady of my size…?” Ganesh looked down at his huge body, flexing his muscular arms.

Arnav looked away, the image of Ganesh in a sari tickling him no end.

“Maybe we can peep in through a window…” NK suggested.

“Why don’t you come in through the door?” asked Nani from the doorway, smiling.

All stood up. Scooby barked.

She walked in, and caught Arnav & Ganesh by their arms. “It is a family function, and you needn’t be kept out. I told the guests that our family wouldn’t be complete without you.”

All stared at her.

“So you don’t have to raid Payal’s & Anjali Bitiyaa’s clothes for ones that fit.” she smiled. “Come down now.”

“Nani, you are the best!” NK hugged her and lifted her off the ground, circling around with her.

She chuckled, and the others joined in.

Ganesh sat down by Anamika. She was dressed in a beautiful blue & green lehenga, the bright colours making her skin gleam. He smiled at her, and whispered in her ear, “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, kind Sir.” she whispered back.

Then she handed over a few mehendi design books to him, and asked him, hiding a smile, “Which one would you choose?”

Ganesh looked at the pamphlets and booklets in his large palms, and looked helplessly at Arnav. 

Arnav looked away to hide his laughter.

“Buaji was telling us that the grooms too apply mehendi. Isn’t that right, Buaji?” Anamika asked.

“Haan, haan, Nandkisore!” Buaji supported her.

 “As they all wanted to attend the mehendi function, Nani, they should all be given a chance to apply mehendi!” Anjali teased.

The men looked at each other. What had they gotten themselves into?

Gaurav whispered in Scooby’s ear, “Hide your paws. Or they will colour it orange!”

Scooby quickly hid under Nani’s chair, cowering behind the folds of her sari.

“Nani, we…we just wanted to see the function, not participate in it…” NK explained frantically. “Nannav, isn’t that right?”

Arnav smiled as he sat by Khushi.

The playful argument raged on, the ladies insisting that the boys apply mehendi, and the boys trying to save themselves from the ignominy.

But Arnav & Khushi heard none of it. They were looking at each other.

“Are you going to write my name on your palm?” Arnav whispered in her ear.

Khushi smiled. “Why should I write your name, Arnavji? I will write Salman Khanji’s name”

Arnav’s eyebrows rocketed.

“I am marrying you. Not Salman Khan.” he claimed.

“Acha?” the minx asked. “Looks like I will have to settle for you.” she sighed.

Arnav glowered.

“Will you write my name on your hand?” Khushi asked, a smile twinkling in her eyes.

“Ofcourse not.” Arnav got his own back.

Khushi glared at him, and turned away from him. She told the mehendi lady, “Please write LGR on my hand.”

The lady & Arnav stared at her.

“Laad Governor Rakshas.” Khushi clarified.

Arnav looked away to hide a  smile.

Part 2 

A VM for Bhooma, my friend.
Song: Irava Pagala (Tamil)

Arnav watched the mehendi lady etch LGR on Khushi’s palm, studying Khushi’s face as she focused all her attention on the mehendi, ignoring him.

When the lady was done, Khushi brought her hands close to her face to look at the LGR. It was perfect. She pushed her hand under Arnav’s nose to show him the initials of his name.

Arnav bit back a smile, and extended his palm to the mehendi lady. “Please write C on my palm.” he said.

The lady smiled at him and picked up her cone.

Khushi pushed his hand away. “C? Who is this C?” she glared at him.

Arnav swallowed his smile, and extended his arm. Khushi pushed it away. The mehendi lady looked at the squabbling couple and smiled.

“You won’t dare to write any other girl’s name on your hand.” Khushi concluded. “I will kill you. So it must be for me. C for Chamkili!” she gasped. “You want to write C for Chamkili?”

“I was thinking C for Crazy, but Chamkili is fine too.” Arnav smirked.

Khushi pretended to be outraged. “Awww!” she exclaimed.

Arnav turned to the mehendi lady. “Or maybe you can write S for Sanka Devi.”

Khushi’s eyes bore into him, leaving behind holes.

“Or P for Parmeswari.”

“No!” said Khushi, dissuading the lady.

“Or J.” Arnav suggested.

Khushi’s face brightened. “For Jalebi Rani?”

“I was thinking Jhalli Rani…” Arnav smirked.

Khushi lost it. “Arnavji, aap…” she jumped up in affront.

Arnav, who knew when to retreat, got up and moved away on hasty feet. Khushi, in a flurry of skirts, ran after him. She glared at her hands full of mehendi. If her hands were free, she would strangle Arnavji! And enjoy doing it!

Nani, Mami, Buaji, & Anjali watched Khushi chasing Arnav around the hall. Arnav dodged all her attempts to reach within arm’s length of him by darting between pieces of furniture with dexterity.

“Anyone would think that our Chotey has been practicing running away for years!” Nani commented with a smile.

“Acha he, Saasumma!” said incorrigible Mami. “He bill (will) need it in the phuture (future), aphter (after) marrijj!”

Anjali giggled.

“He Parmeswari, leave Arnav Bitwaa!” Buaji hit her head with her hand. “Are you children to run around like this? Titliyyaa, you will trip and fall, Nandkisore!”

Nani giggled. “Anjali Bitiyaa, I think they were cat & dog in their previous births”

“Taam (Tom) Arnav & Jerry Khussi!” Mami said.

All chuckled.

“No wonder she is like this! She watches cartoons with the children of the neighbourhood, Nandkisore!” Buaji exclaimed.

Arnav ran up the stairs to his room. Khushi followed, trying not to fall flat on her face.

Arnav ran into his room, knowing that he could be sure of privacy there. Khushi, unsuspecting, walked into the trap. As soon as she was in the centre of the room, Arnav dashed to the door and locked it.

Khushi stood looking at him, her breath caught in her chest, her breathing suspended. The scheming, devious, crooked…. Arnav Singh Raizada! She could not think of any other derogatory word at that point of time.

He stood looking at her, a predatory look in his eyes, his gaze roaming over her alluring form in the green lehenga & red dupatta. Khushi gulped and tried to cover her waist with the dupatta, trying to move it over herself with nudges of her arms. Her hands were totally useless. She glowered at the mehendi.

Arnav smiled.

Khushi frowned. She mistrusted that smile of his.

As she watched, he began to walk towards her on slow but deliberate feet. Her eyes widened. His left foot… his right… then his left… his right… Khushi looked at her useless hands, and with a huff, turned and ran out of the room through the door that opened to the poolside.

“Khushi…” he called as he ran after her.

She circled the pool, trying to keep maximum distance between them. He Devi Maiyya, He Devi Maiyya, she chanted, as she ran in a clockwise direction. Arnav changed his route, and tried to reach her by taking the anti-clockwise path. She turned and ran away from him.

The edge of the dupatta that had been tucked in the waistband of her lehenga fell away, exposing the slim, creamy lines of her waist.

Arnav swallowed hard.

Khushi grit her teeth. She had 2 useless hands, a lover on the prowl, and a dupatta that refused to stay on her body! How was she to manage? She lowered her eyes to see if there was any way she could repair the damage.

This was the chance he had been waiting for. He moved in for the kill. Before Khushi could say, “Arnavji!”, he was close to her. So close that she could feel his breath on her cheek.

She glanced up, startled.

“Now where will you go?” he asked, his voice a mere thread.

Khushi looked into his eyes, her breath coming in choppy waves.

“Arnavji…” she whispered.

“Hhmmm?” he asked, his lips coming closer and closer to her.

Khushi tried to move back, but his black recliner blocked her path.

She tried to slip away, but his hands clasped her shoulders, making it impossible for her to move an inch.

“My hands….” Khushi whispered. “The mehendi…”

“You don’t need your hands to kiss me.” he whispered back.

Khushi blushed. “I… I am not going to…” she paused.

“No?” Arnav asked. “Then I am afraid you are not going to leave this room.” he smirked.

Khushi stared at him.

“Kiss me.” he invited in his bedroom voice. Khushi gulped and gasped for air. “Then you can leave. Otherwise…”

Khushi looked into his wicked, chocolate brown eyes. How dare he look at her like that? How could he smile at her like that? He knew it made her knees feel weak and her body tremble. He was deliberately trying to give her a heart attack.

Khushi looked at his lips. The sinfully delicious curves beckoned her. Her own lips trembled.

Slowly, she moved closer to him. Her hot eyes lingered on his lips. He waited, his heart in his mouth, for the sweet touch.

Khushi fell on him, ravaging his defences, plundering his lips, taking her fill of the hard curves, pressing herself against him.

Arnav felt his heart stop, and then race at breakneck speed.

The hunter became the hunted.

Ganesh looked through the patterns religiously. Anamika looked at him, amused beyond words.

Finally he said, “They are all good.”

Anamika smiled.

“You have beautiful hands.” Ganesh said simply. He lifted her hand in his, looking at the long, well-shaped fingers. “Any design will look good on you.”

Anamika lowered her eyes, and then said softly, “Pick any one.”

Ganesh selected a design with floral patterns, with many small flowers hidden in creepers.

Anamika handed it over to the mehendi lady, and said, “This one.”

“You like it, Anamika?” Ganesh asked. She hadn’t even glanced at it.

“How can I dislike it if you like it?” Anamika asked simply, her soft voice just for Ganesh’s ears.

Part 43 Section 1

Arnav & Khushi VM: Lattoo 

Arnav looked at the yellow sarees heaped in front of him. Nani, Mami, Di, & Payal were smiling expectantly at him, waiting for him to choose the sari to be gifted to Khushi.

He fingered one. The fabric was too rough. The next one was too heavy. Khushi would find it difficult to wear it. The third saree was too dull, the yellow looking faded. Khushi liked bright colours. So it wouldn’t do…

His family watched him pick & discard sarees with meaningful glances at each other.

“Chotey, you didn’t like any of these?” Nani asked, a small smile on her lips.

“Err…Nani…”

“Haldi is tomorrow, Arnav Bitwaa…” Mami teased. “Aisan yahan khade rahoge, to you can get married neksht (next) year!”

All laughed. Arnav looked around, a hunted man surrounded by the females of his family.

“Arnavji! There are saris displayed at the far end of this hall.” Payal came to his rescue. “Maybe there you will find something that you like.”

Arnav smiled his gratitude at her, and made his way to the mannequins wearing expensive silk. NK & Akash looked up from where they were selecting kurtas, and asked him, “Bhai, do you need help?”

“Nannav, mere bhai, shall we select Khushiji’s sari?”

“No. I will do it.” Arnav declared. What could he do if the best apparel store in all of Delhi could not stock a sari worthy of Khushi?

He looked at the saris worn by the mannequins.

Green…..cream….some ugly shade that looked like the skin of onions…a violet that hurt his eyes… He stopped short. Yellow. As bright as sunshine. Like Khushi. With tiny lines in green & in his favourite colour, red. He touched it, rubbing the silk between his fingers. It felt warm, soft, silky…like Khushi’s skin.

Arnav swallowed.

“I want this.” he told the sales assistant.

“Are you sure, Chotey?” Anjali teased him.

“Yes.”

“Arnav Bitwaa, the girl can pack it only if you let go of it, Hello Hi Bye Bye!” Mami laughed.

NK, Akash, Anjali, Payal, & Nani giggled. Arnav flushed as he withdrew his fingers from the sari.

“We have selected a sari for Anamika bitiyaa” Nani informed Arnav. “We will send her and Khussi bitiyaa their clothes as soon as we reach home.”

Arnav nodded, his cheeks still red.

Haldi was to be held at Laxmi Nagar.  

Anamika, Gaurav, & Scooby reached Buaji’s house on time, and Amma led Anamika to her bedroom to change into her haldi sari. 

Khushi was dressing in the sari selected by Arnav, Preetho helping her to deck herself in jewellery & hair ornaments made of flowers.

Anamika opened the box that Naniji had sent to her house. In it was a yellow sari with silver embellishments and a blouse with beads & crystals. She touched the sari with gentle fingers.

“Nani sent it to me.” Anamika explained to Amma who was smiling at her.

“It will suit you.” Amma pinched her chin lovingly. “Today, you and Khussi will look beautiful…”

“And yellow.” Anamika said wryly, a small smile on her lips.

Amma laughed in agreement. “And yellow.”

Anamika wore the sari with Amma’s help. Then Garima brought out a tray with the maangtikka, earrings, necklace, & bracelets that Anamika had to wear. 

Anamika’s eyes flew open. The ornaments were all made of flowers. Jasmine, roses, rajnigandha…

Garima fastened the sweet-smelling pieces and placed a chain of jasmine buds around her hair coiled in a bun.

Garima examined her handiwork with pleasure. “You look beautiful!” she exclaimed.

Anamika looked at herself in the mirror. A slow smile stretched her lips. A few months earlier, if someone had told her that she would be standing like this in a house in Laxmi Nagar, getting ready to be dunked in haldi so that she could marry Ganesh the next day, she would have died laughing. If she hadn’t met Khushi that night at the party… if she hadn’t liked her… if she hadn’t furthered their acquaintance… Anamika shuddered to think of all the what-might-have-beens. She would never have had the courage to think of a future with Ganesh. And he would never have forced her to think of marriage, being a born gentleman... They were fortunate. Very fortunate. Especially Gaurav. Khushi had brought so much happiness in to their lives. 

She would never forget Khushi’s kindness. Never. She touched her earring with a gentle hand.

The Raizadas & NK reached Laxmi Nagar. As they alighted, they saw Ganesh parking his car in Happyji’s garage. They waited for him, and together, they walked into Buaji’s house to be greeted with loud cries of welcome. 

Soon the ladies of the neighbourhood too reached the house. Loud chatter and laughter filled the house. Arnav & Ganesh sat in the midst of their family, listening to NK trying out his Hindi on the girls who were eyeing him. Akash & Payal were helping Buaji with last minute arrangements.

Suddenly, the chatter came to an end. Amma led Anamika out. She looked beautiful, yellow making her look more beautiful than she normally looked. All eyes travelled up & down her form and then automatically turned to gaze at Ganesh’s lovestruck expression.

All ladies tittered. Scooby barked & Gaurav laughed.

Arnav craned his neck to see if Khushi was anywhere in the vicinity. Where was she? He looked at his phone. If he could call her…

The laughter died down. He looked up. There she stood, dressed in the saree that he had picked for her, coils of jasmine in her hair, jasmine buds around her neck & wrists, & earrings made of jasmine flowers...

He swallowed. 

His mind raced backwards in time to a Diwali in Sheesh Mahal. He had been young. He had watched his Mama & Di light rows and rows of diya, helping them by supplying oil & wicks as & when needed. When they had finished lighting all the diya, he had asked Mama if he could go back to his room, firecrackers & the resulting noise anathema to him. She had nodded her assent, but before he could walk away, she had delayed him for a moment.

“Chotey, we have been lighting lamps for so long and you have been helping us. Don’t you want to see what we have been doing all this while?” she had asked.

Arnav had frowned at her, not understanding the import of her words. She had placed her arm around his shoulders and turned him to look at the diya they had been lighting till then.

His breath had caught in his chest at the magical sight of the huge, dark hall lit by so many tiny golden flames, arranged row after row. Just as it hitched now at the sight of Khushi. She looked like a flame, the bright, rich yellow of her sari lending a golden sheen to her fair skin.

As he watched her in stunned silence, she looked up and smiled at him. The smile took birth in her eyes. Her gladness at seeing him spread to her lips, and she beamed at him. An answering smile bloomed on his. Her eyes ran over him in his white kurta, and she raised her right hand to gesture that he looked very handsome. Arnav lowered his eyes to hide his smile at her open appreciation.

Then the ladies took over. They hugged the brides many times and led them to low seats placed in the hall.

Anamika & Khushi smiled at each other as they sat side by side on the foot stools. Buaji led Ganesh & Arnav to sit across the ladies.

“Look at your brides all you want, bitwaa. Because now we are going to put a curtain between you, Nandkisore!”Bujai declared.

Ganesh & Arnav looked at Buaji in shock. All laughed. Anamika & Khushi blushed.

Section 2

A pale blue transparent screen was placed between the two couples. Arnav scowled at it, balefully. Ganesh stared at Anamika through it.

The guests giggled behind their hands. It was such fun to watch new lovers.

The priest recited mantras. Anamika & Khushi paid close attention to him, and Ganesh & Arnav paid close attention to their ladies.

The priest indicated that the haldi rasam may be conducted.

Buaji took the small brushes of grass, dipped them in the yellow mixture, and touched Khushi’s feet, knees, arms, hands, & face with them. Then she did the same to Anamika. Anjali moved to Ganesh & Arnav, and started turning them yellow.

One by one, Mami, Nani, Payal, Gaurav, Akash, NK, Mamaji, & Amma began slathering haldi on them.

Ganesh took one look at Arnav, and started laughing. 

Arnav smiled and said, “You don’t look so hot either!”

Khushi & Anamika smiled at each other.

NK & Gaurav circled the couples, capturing the moments of laughter and family togetherness on camera.

Anjali watched Arnav blink his eyes at the condition of his limbs.

“Don’t worry, Chotey! It is all for a good cause.” She looked meaningfully at Khushi who was chuckling at some quip of Payal’s. Arnav’s eyes followed hers and stilled on Khushi’s laughing visage.

“She is truly Khushi, isn’t she?” Arnav murmured only for his Di’s ears.

Anjali smiled. “Yes. And a single piece on earth. Meant just for you, my papad ka tukda, jab dekho ukhda Chotey!”

Arnav smiled.

“I dare you to be unhappy after you are married to Khushiji, Chotey!” Anjali laughed. “You can’t scare her with your anger and she won’t let you mope around. Now what will you do?” she raised her brows enquiringly.

Arnav smiled. “Live?” he asked.

Anjali smiled & nodded. “Live. Let yourself be happy.” She cupped his cheek lovingly.

NK rubbed haldi on Gaurav & Akash’s cheeks. Akash caught hold of an NK who was trying to escape after doing the deed, & Gaurav plastered NK’s face with haldi.

 Soon it was a free for all. Only Scooby looked clean.

Buaji looked at the puppy sitting quietly in one corner of the room.

“Hai Re Nandkisore! They forgot you!” she exclaimed. She took a smidge of haldi with one finger and gently applied a tikka on Scooby. “Now you too belong to the wedding party, Nandkisore!” she declared.

NK proclaimed, “This jaldi ka rasam is so much fun!”

“Acha, Nandkisore!” Buaji asked, her hands on her hips. “If you like haldi so much, why don’t you get married too? Jaldi Jaldi? I will bury you in haldi.”

NK looked at her with wide eyes.

“Bitwaa, there are some good girls here… Kaho to...” Buaji teased him.

NK ran for his life.

Ganesh & Arnav were taken to the courtyard of the house and made to sit on two stools. Ladies poured pots of water over them to cleanse them. They scrubbed themselves thoroughly. Yellow rivulets of haldi flowed into the sand, leaving the two men clean but very wet.

Khushi & Anamika took their turns in the tiny bathroom of Buaji’s house, scrubbing the paste from their body vigorously and emerging looking beautiful and glowing.

Soon the families and the guests sat down to a feast.

Anamika & Ganesh sat together, laughing over the haldi bath of the morning. Arnav sat down and pulled Khushi to sit by him.

“Arnavji, chodiye hamein!” Khushi said. “Preetho, Nikhil, & Barun are having their lunch in my bedroom. They asked me to sit with them.”

Arnav glared at her. 

Khushi went on, unfazed by his glare. “I will be marrying you tomorrow evening, Arnavji, and coming with you to RM. They will miss me.”

“What about me?” Arnav asked.

“What about you? Kya hua aapko?” she asked, her eyes innocent.

“Won’t I miss you? Now?” he asked.

Khushi frowned. “It is only for a few minutes, Arnavji.”

“I will still miss you.” said Aashik Singh Raizada.

Khushi stared into his eyes.

“Acha he, Nandkisore! Both of you look into each others eyes as much as you want now. After Arnav Bitwaa goes home, you are not permitted to see each other till the shaadi tomorrow evening.” Buaji laughed.

Arnav gasped in shock.

Khushi’s mouth fell open. “That is total naainsaafi, Buaji! How can I stay without…..?”

Buaji raised her eyebrows. All giggled.

“I mean, why can’t we see each other, Buaji?” Khushi whined.

Buaji hit her head with her hand. “This Sanka Devi!”

“Buaji…” Arnav protested.

The Raizada ladies looked at each other & smiled.

“Bitwaa, it is a rasam that the bride and the groom don’t see each other after their haldi. Both of you are supposed to stay in your houses, safe from evil eyes till the shaadi.”

Arnav looked at her like a lost child.

Buaji pulled his cheek. “It is only for a few hours, Bitwaa. Tomorrow evening, you can take Sanka Devi off our hands. We will personally hand over our bundle of trouble to you, Nandkisore! Then you can suffer her for the rest of your life.” she teased.

“Buaji!” Khushi protested.

All laughed. Arnav nodded, smiling weakly.

Buaji moved away to tease Ganesh & Anamika. 

Khushi moved her chair as close to Arnav’s as possible, and sat down, her right thigh aligned with his left, her right arm pressed against his left.

“Kya hua?” Arnav asked softly, knowing that she had already started to miss him.

“Nothing.” she muttered.

He smiled slightly, and looking at her full plate, said softly, “Eat something, Khushi. Or you will feel hungry later.”

“Haan…” Khushi looked at her plate with a total lack of interest.

“Buaji has made jalebi for you. Have it.” Arnav invited her. “It is your favourite sweet, isn’t it? Your staple meal?” he teased her.

Khushi looked at the jalebi on her plate with dull eyes. She squeezed herself closer to Arnav, if that was humanly possible.

“Preetho, Nikhil, & Barun must be waiting for you.” Arnav said. “Don’t you want to have lunch with them?” he teased.

Khushi’s eyes filled.

“Khushi…Khushi…don’t cry.” Arnav pleaded. “I was just…”

“I am coming home with you now. I don’t want to wait till tomorrow.” Khushi whispered, sniffing.

Arnav didn’t know whether to cry or laugh.

“My bags are already packed.” Khushi said. “We can leave together and…” Her fingers bit into his arm.

Arnav leaned sideways, and dropped a warm kiss on her cheek, uncaring of the gasps and laughter from the audience.

Part 43 Section 3

Beheka (Ghajini)

“Hai Re Nandkisore!” Buaji exclaimed to Nani, Anjali, Mami, Payal, & Amma. “Girls cry on their bidai when they are leaving their Amma & Babuji to go to their husband’s house. Our Sanka Devi is crying to go to her husband’s house? And that too before marriage?”

All giggled.

“Garima, why does Titliyaa do everything ulta?” Buaji asked.

“Pata nahi, Jiji. She has always been like that.” Garima smiled.

“Ek screw to dheela he, Nandkisore! Pukka!” Buaji sighed.

All smiled.

A tear trailed down Khushi’s cheek.

Arnav stole it from her cheek with the tip of his finger.

“Take me with you, Arnavji. Without you….. one day without you…. I can’t… Take me with you.”, she pleaded softly.

Arnav swallowed hard. How could he tell her that he felt the same pain at the very thought? As though his breath would stop? How could he tell her that he couldn't bear to see her pain?

He spared a glance for his family. All of them had big smiles on their faces.

“No one will find out. I will h..hide under the bed…” Khushi whispered. “Or the bathroom…if someone comes…”

“Or behind the curtains….” Arnav entered into the spirit of things.

“Or the poolside…” Khushi offered.

“Behind my pots and plants…” Arnav suggested, a small smile on his face.

Khushi nodded enthusiastically, her wet eyes on his smiling face.

“Or among my clothes in the wardrobe. Nobody can find you there.” Arnav smiled.

Khushi cheered up. “Yes! I have done that before!”

Arnav looked down to hide his laughter.

“Or you stay here with me, Arnavji. Don’t leave me alone and go.” Khushi wept.

Arnav patted the hand that was clutching his arm in desperation. He said, “Nani, Buaji… I was thinking….”

All eyes turned to him.

Anjali whispered to the ladies, “Let’s see how Chotey the businessman handles this.”

They nodded.

“Haan, Chotey?” Nani asked, her eyes twinkling.

“Kaho, Nandkisore!” Buaji invited him, a challenge in her eyes.

“I was thinking, err… the wedding is to be held in RM tomorrow evening anyway. So why don’t you all spend the night there?” Arnav asked, all innocence.

Buaji raised an eyebrow at him. Mami gasped. Nani smiled. Payal & Anamika struggled not to burst out laughing. Ganesh, NK, Akash, & Gaurav looked at Arnav with admiration.

“Acha khayal he, Chotey.” Anjali teased him. “It will save you a lot of bother, won’t it?”

Arnav blushed.

“If Anamika, Ganesh, Gaurav, Buaji, Amma, Babuji, & Khushi can shift their things today to RM, we can have a relaxed day tomorrow.” Arnav suggested.

Khushi looked at Arnav with admiration in her eyes.

“Haan..haan.. Dhamakedaar idea he, Hello Hi Bye Bye! Conservation of energy karega padi, Saasumma. To be fresh for the night… I mean, the ebening (evening)!” Mami quipped.

All laughed.

Buaji whispered to the ladies, “After spending time with our Sanka Devi, Arnav Bitwaa has become her Sanka Dev, Nandkisore!”

All chuckled.

“But idea acha he, Saasumma.” Mami supported Arnav. 

“Half the work will be done today. Tomorrow, we can dress for the shaadi and do our makeuppiya at leisure!”

Nani looked at Buaji. 

“What do you think, Madhumatiji?” Nani asked softly.

“If we don’t come to your house this evening, Devyaniji, Titliyaa will fly to your house before the shaadi.” Buaji replied, equally softly.

“Running marrijj to suna he, Saasumma. But running to husband’s house to do shaadi? Ee kaa new phasion he?” Mami asked, a smirk on her face.

“Nani, please say ‘yes’.” Anjali pleaded. “It will be so much fun tonight, with everybody there.”

Nani looked at Arnav & Khushi’s anxious faces. She said, “Theek he, Chotey!” Buaji nodded.

A cry of joy rose from the crowd, NK, Gaurav, Scooby, & Akash taking the lead. 

Khushi hugged Arnav’s arm and leaned her head against his shoulder, a smile on her lips.

“Happy?” Arnav whispered in her ear.

“Very.” she replied. "Aap sab kuch theek kar dete he! Hamesha..."

"Hamesha... for you, Khushi." Arnav Singh Raizada murmured.

Anamika breathed into Ganesh’s ear. 

“ASR is such a big softie! Who would have thought it?”

Ganesh replied. “Arnav is a big softie, totally wrapped around Khushi’s little finger. ASR is still a stubborn ass.”

Anamika burst out laughing.

“But a likeable ass.” Ganesh concluded. 

Anamika bobbed her head in agreement as she tried to control her guffaws.

Part 43 Section 4 

Lazy Lad Saiyya, a song written for our Arnav Bitwaa, who sent our hearts burning by wasting many opportunities to romance Ms.Gupta

“Ganesh, Anamika, would you mind moving into RM today?” Arnav asked softly. “It will be err…easier to make arrangements for the wedding tomorrow evening.”

Ganesh & Anamika smiled.

She said, a smirk on her face, “I am sure it will be easier on you if we do move in.”

Ganesh said, smiling, “We will definitely move in. After all, the situation is… nazook.” He looked at a Khushi who was happily drying her tear-stained face, still holding on firmly to Arnav’s arm.

Arnav smiled gratefully at Ganesh & Anamika.

NK went with Gaurav, Anamika, & Ganesh to help them transport their wedding finery to RM. Arnav, Akash, & Payal stayed back to help Buaji, Amma, & Babuji pack & lock the house.

Nani, Mami, & Anjali left with the driver to arrange rooms and refreshments for the unexpected guests, laughing over their Chotey’s shatir dimag and his Khushiji’s lovable childishness.

Arnav accompanied Khushi to her bedroom. Two heavy suitcases were waiting in the corner, all packed & ready to go. He lugged them to the front door.

“Khushi, what do you have in these?” Arnav asked, smiling. “Rocks?”

Khushi pouted. “Ji. Pathar. To throw at you when you get angry with me.”

Arnav chuckled silently.

She looked around, her hands on her hips. “Have I left anything behind…?” she wondered.

Arnav hid his smile with great difficulty. “Khushi, what does it matter if you have left something behind?”

Khushi looked at him.

“You can always return & get it. I mean, it is just a matter of  a few kilometers…” he reminded her, smiling.

“Haan…” Khushi said, uncertainty colouring her voice.

“Did you pack your stars?” he asked, looking at the stars hanging over her bed.

“Ji. I packed them first.” Khushi replied, still looking around.

Arnav walked to her, and cupped her cheek in his palm. 

“Kya hua, Khushi? Feeling scared about tomorrow?” he asked softly.

Khushi looked into his empathetic eyes for a moment, and then murmured, “Life is so strange, isn’t it?”

Arnav waited for her to explain.

“First, I was with my parents in our house. Then, one day, when I was eight, I moved into my aunt’s house in Lucknow with all my clothes and toys. Then I met you. You aired the video clip and I had to leave Lucknow and move into Buaji’s house in Delhi. Now I am leaving her house and going to yours.” She swallowed hard as she looked around the familiar room.

Arnav pulled her into his arms. He said, his cheek against hers, “You will never have to leave my house to go anywhere else.”

Khushi nodded slowly, and then slowly put her arms around him, hugging him close to her.

Arnav shut his eyes and rubbed his cheek against hers to comfort her.

“Bhai…” Akash stood open-mouthed at the sight of his khadoos brother standing in the circle of Khushiji’s arms.

Payal giggled behind the cover of her hand.

Arnav & Khushi lowered their arms, putting a few inches between their bodies with difficulty.

“Bhai… All are ready to leave…” Akash said.

“We are coming.” Arnav said in his usual brusque manner, only the flush on his face revealing his discomfiture.

They reached RM to find that Anamika, Ganesh, Gaurav, Scooby, & NK had reached before them, and had been assigned their rooms. Ganesh had been given a room near Arnav’s, Gaurav & Scooby were to share with NK, and Anamika & Khushi were given a room on the ground floor, near Nani’s room. Amma & Babuji had the room next to Khushi & Anamika’s, and Buaji was in a room nearby.

Arnav & HP placed Khushi’s bags in her room. Anamika turned to look out through the window, a smile on her face, as Arnav hesitated to leave the room.

“Khushi, tum theek ho?” he asked, running his thumb lovingly down her cheek.

“Ji.” She smiled, having forgotten her earlier tears.

“Sure? You want me to stay with you?” poor Arnav asked.

“No, I am fine, Arnavji.” Khushi beamed, happy to be under the same roof as him. The sky of her mind was cloudless and sunlit as long as she was with him. “Arnavji, just think how much fun we will have today! Nanheji didn't tell you about his plans?" she asked.

Arnav shook his head.

 "He is planning to phenk a party for men. He wants to take you, Ganeshji, Gaurav, & Jiju out for a bachelor’s party.”

Anamika choked. 

Arnav stared at Khushi, slack-jawed.

“When you men are drinking lassi and cracking jokes and playing video games, we ladies will play antakshari and eat golgappe! It will be such fun! He na, Anamikaji?” Khushi’s innocent eyes rested on the two figures staring at her with amazement.

Part 43 section 5

Zara Zara

If he could get his hands around NK’s neck…. If only he could get his hands around NK’s neck…. Arnav fumed helplessly, staring at Khushi’s happy face. The difficulty he had faced in bringing matters to this point! Only he knew how hard it had been to get Khushi to agree to marry him. He had fought the odds to lay claim to her heart, and now, at the eleventh hour, NK was out to sink his boat…

Anamika took one look at Arnav’s pale face, and silently signalled him to leave the room.

Arnav hesitated, his chest hurting at the sight of Khushi’s open face radiating joy.

Anamika put her arm around Khushi’s shoulders and gently pulled her close. Khushi hugged her, saying, “I will make you eat a basket full of golgappe, Anamikaji. I won’t let you off today.”

Over Khushi’s head, Anamika looked directly into Arnav’s eyes, conveying her wish that he leave Khushi in her care.

“I…I have some work, Khushi…” Arnav mumbled.

“Ji.” Khushi laughed. “Amanji must have missed you the whole of today.”

Arnav smiled weakly and left the room slowly, turning back twice to look at Khushi.

Anamika said, “Sit down for a while with me, Khushi.” She locked the door of the room and led Khushi to sit on the bed.

“Ji.” Khushi happily parked herself by Anamika, her legs curled under her. She pulled a pillow on her lap and propped her elbows on it.

“Do you know why men celebrate bachelor party, Khushi?” Anamika asked, a small smile on her face.

Khushi smiled. “Because they are happy for the dulha as he is getting married the next day!”

Anamika smiled. “No, because they think that the dulha is going to lose all his freedom the next day, and they want to console him.”

Khushi laughed. “How ajeeb! Is shaadi a jail for the dulha to lose his freedom when he marries? Anamikaji, I thought only I was sanki, but it looks like many people are more sanki than me.”

Anamika smiled fondly at her.

“And why should they console the dulha? Nobody is tying his hands and legs and dragging him to the mandap. He is marrying because he wants to, isn’t he, Anamikaji?”

Anamika nodded, smiling. “It is just a party given by the groom’s friends for him. They have fun, crack jokes at the dulha’s expense….”

Khushi smiled.

“When men get together, they don’t drink lassi, you know, Khushi. They may drink beer or wine or whisky….” Anamika dropped  a hint.

“Daaru?” Khushi asked.

Anamika smiled & nodded. “The Raizadas and your family… you are all vegetarians, aren’t you?”

“Ji.” Khushi said.

“Does ASR take non-veg?” Anamika asked.

“Ji. But he is not permitted to have it here in his house.” Khushi replied.

“Then he may have it at the party.” Anamika said softly.

“Oh…” Khushi said.

“And what is a party without some naach-gaana?” Anamika asked smiling.

Khushi smiled happily. “Ji. I was thinking we ladies can play Balam Pichkari and Lazy Lad and dance to them here.”

“The men too may have music and dance… NK might invite some of his friends and acquaintances, other men & women to the party…” Anamika hinted.

Khushi looked at her, her face becoming anxious all of a sudden.

Anamika hugged her. “ASR, Akash, Ganesh, Gaurav, and NK will be together. They won’t get into any trouble.” she comforted her.

Khushi jumped up. “Anamikaji, hum abhi aate he!” She strode out of the room. Anamika looked after her with a soft smile on her lips.

Khushi barged into NK’s room, her eyes furious.

NK dropped the T-shirt he was holding. Offo, it looked like someone had told Khushiji the exact meaning of  a bachelor party, he thought, his heart sinking. Nannav had just torn a strip off him for the bachelor party idea, and his skin was still stinging from the ASR’s fury. Now it looked at Khushiji’s turn.

Khushi came and stood in front of NK, her arms crossed, waiting.

NK swallowed hard. Would she kill him?

“Nanheji, I never thought you would do this to me!” she complained.

NK bleated, “Khushiji…”

She cut in, “I thought you were my friend!” Tears filled her eyes.

“Khushiji…” NK said in a feeble voice.

“I won’t talk to you again. How could you…?” A tear made its way down her cheek.

“Khushiji, I promise. I promise…” NK touched his Adam’s apple. “I have not invited any girls. Nannav will kill me if I…. Khushiji, it is just some wine and food… no girls. I promise. I promise.” Nk almost fell at her feet.

Khushi looked at him with suspicious eyes. “Pukka?” she asked.

“Pukka. Promise. NO GIRLS. Only shabab & kebab…” NK was desperate.

“Sharab.” Khushi corrected automatically.

“Yes, yes.” NK pulled his ear. “Only sharab & kebab.”

“You have not invited any girl?” Khushi made sure.

“No one. No girl. Not even a single girl.” NK swore.

Khushi let out a sigh of relief. “Tabhi to! I was so sad wondering why you had not invited me, your friend. It is because I am a girl, isn’t it? This party is only for men, he na Nanheji?”

NK shook his head slowly.

“Anamikaji said that men drink & eat non-veg at parties. And that they invite their men & women friends for naach-gaana. I was wondering why you hadn’t invited me!” Khushi smiled happily at him. “But if you are not inviting any lady, then it is OK if you don’t invite me.”

NK stared at her. So he had been apologising for the wrong crime all along? He scratched his head.

“Have fun, Nanheji! And make your Nannav dance at the party. Haan, and take hajmola with you. It will calm your stomach after all that non-veg.” She sashayed away, a wide smile on her face.

Part 43 Section 6

Leaving NK staring into air, trying to make sense of what had just happened there, Khushi walked down the corridor to join Anamikaji, her unbound hair swinging against her hips.

Her feet came to an abrupt stop. Arnavji’s door was open. She looked around. There was no family member in sight, just a few workers putting up lights and flower chains, changing drapes etc. She darted in.

Arnav was sitting on his black recliner by the pool. His laptop was open in front of him, but his mind was on Khushi. How would she have reacted to Anamika’s disclosures? He should not have left her. He should have stayed with her and… He clenched his fingers around his phone.

“Arnavji!”

He looked up to see the object of his ruminations standing alive and kicking in front of him. Instead of being in tears as he had imagined her to be, she was all smiles.

She walked up to him on hasty feet. “There was nobody in the corridor. So I came in.” She beamed at him.

He was so relieved to see her smiling that he caught her by the arm and tugged her to sit on the recliner by him. He lay back, looking at her as she sat by him, her hand in his.

“I have asked NK to cancel the party.” Arnav declared, traces of anger in his voice, his fury against NK still unabated. “NK and his stupid ideas!”

Khushi frowned at him. “Cancel the party? Kyon? Stupid idea? It is not a stupid idea, Arnavji. How can it be  a stupid idea to spend time with your friends?”

“I don’t have friends, Khushi.” Arnav growled. “Only acquaintances.”

Khushi laughed. She pinched his chin, “How can you have friends if you are such a cross boy?”

Arnav looked at her, silenced.

“Aap jaayiye. Have non-veg and drink daaru. We ladies will have golgappe and dance away the night!” Khushi smiled at him.

Arnav gasped.

“Why are you so shocked, Arnavji? Anamikaji said that men do things at bachelor party that they normally don’t do at home.” Khushi explained the source of her newfound knowledge.

Arnav thanked Anamika silently.

“Anamikaji said that Nanheji would invite his male & female friends to the function so that they can dance and have fun.” Khushi informed him.

Arnav swallowed.

“I was so angry with him! So upset!” Khushi pouted.

Arnav sat up and pulled her into his arms. “Khushi….” he murmured.

“I went to fight with him.” Khushi told Arnav, putting her arms around his broad shoulders. “Then Nanheji said that he is not inviting any girl. That it is a party for men, not girls. How can I find fault with him for not inviting me, Arnavji, when he is not inviting any girl?” she looked into his eyes.

Arnav stared at her. So she hadn’t understood Anamika’s words. And she had misunderstood NK. Good. It was time to end this farce.

“Khushi, I am not interested in any party. Nor is Ganesh, I am sure. We will spend the evening with you….” he stated.

“No! Our party is for women. Not men. You & Ganeshji must go with Nanheji!”

“Khushi…” he tried to protest.

“Nanheji will be so disappointed if you don’t!” Khushi lamented. “And Jiju & Gaurav… I am sure they want to celebrate our wedding. Aap jaayiye na!”

“Khushi…” Arnav tried. But Khushi was in no mood to hear him out.

She hugged him tight. “We are getting married. Let’s us make everyone happy. You spend the evening with Nanheji and I will spend it with our family.”

Arnav sighed in exasperation. “You really want me to go out for my stag party?” he asked.

“Stag party? Is that what it is called?” Khushi asked, confused. She smiled suddenly. “Ji. You go to your stag party. I will go to my doe party. As though we are deer!” she laughed.

Arnav found himself in the piquant position of agreeing to attend his bachelor party when he didn’t want to, just to keep Khushi happy.

Anamika walked up to Ganesh. “NK is planning a treat for you.” she said, a smile in her voice.

Ganesh turned to look at her, his face relaxing at the sight of his beautiful bride-to-be.

“A treat? Should I be scared?” Ganesh asked softly.

Anamika chuckled. “A bachelor party. Tonight.”

Ganesh’s face was a picture of horror.

Anamika burst out laughing.

“Can I stay back here?” Ganesh asked to amuse her further. “Or can you come with me to the party?”

Anamika shook her head, her laughter preventing her from replying to him.

Ganesh put his arm around her gently and pulled her into his embrace. “I will keep an eye on Gaurav.” he promised.

“I know.” Anamika smiled into his eyes. “The last time he drank was at ASR’s party, and he had a hangover to beat all hangovers. Maybe it has taught him the value of restraint.”

“I hope so. Or I will carry him home.” Ganesh promised.

“And don’t let Gaurav give ‘daaru’ as Khushi calls it to the mongrel you gave him.” Anamika smiled. “He takes sharing too far.”

“No, I won’t.” Ganesh smiled at her.

Ganesh looked at Arnav, and both of them turned to look at an excited NK, Akash, Gaurav, & Scooby with resignation.

Arnav whispered, “I got them to shift the venue to my farmhouse. They wanted to hold it at the Purple Rocket!”

Ganesh shuddered at the mention of the notorious nightclub.

“And I tried to limit the guest list. NK has invited a few of his friends from his gym, Akash has called a few mates from college…”

Ganesh nodded.

“No girls. No strippers or whatever.” Arnav reassured Ganesh.

“Thank God!” said a devout Ganesh.

The grooms left the house with great reluctance for the party in their honour.

Part 43 Section 7

Tera Noor

The best-laid plans of mice & men often go awry. In the case of NK, his best-laid plans were sure to go awry.

The men reached Arnav’s farmhouse to find it brightly lit, with helpers scurrying around arranging a delicious spread on groaning tables. The bar was manned by a boy who didn’t look old enough to drink, and loud music blared from the speakers set strategically in the huge mansion to prevent conversation.

Arnav winced at the sound and looked around. It was going to be a long evening. He thought longingly of Khushi and the fun she must be having at home with the other ladies.

“Nannav, you like the decorations & the arrangements?” NK asked.

Arnav looked at NK’s bright and eager face. Gaurav & Akash looked at him expectantly.

Khushi’s words about making his family happy echoed through his mind. He smiled bravely. “It looks…. fantastic!” he said. 

Gaurav turned eagerly to Ganesh, “Papa, you like this?”

Ganesh smiled at him and said, “You have done a great job!”

Gaurav, NK, & Akash beamed.

Ganesh looked at Arnav’s pained face and said, smiling “Looks like we are going to have a bachelor party to remember!”

Arnav smiled at him.

Suddenly, there was the sound of many vehicles coming to a halt, and many horns being sounded to announce the arrival of the guests.

NK, Gaurav, Akash, Arnav, & Ganesh went to the doorway to welcome the boys in, only to come to a sudden halt.

“What the!” Arnav swore.

NK’s gym buddies had turned up in truckloads, bringing their girlfriends and dates with them. NK looked horrified as girls in short dresses and shorter skirts began pouring into the house.

“Vishal! I said no girls!” NK tried to reason with the all-brawn-and-no brain Vishal, his face pale.

“You did? I thought you meant me to bring girls!” Vishal smiled happily. “I called Bunty, and he called Pooja and Sharon. They called Shefali and Rasna, and they called….”

NK wiped the sweat off his forehead. He turned to look at a furious Nannav and an exasperated Ganesh. Gaurav & Akash stared at the hordes crowding around the bar with wide eyes.

“NK!” a pal from his gym hollered. “You are going to love Nisha!”

NK scratched his head. Who was that? He stole a look at the pale faces of Arnav & Ganesh, and said weakly, “They…they have all come to help you celebrate your wedding….”

Then came the sound of horns blaring. The hosts looked out to see truckloads of girls and boys making their way in to the farmhouse, looking around at the decorations appreciatively.

“Where is the beer, NK?” asked one of his friends.

“Has the DJ reached yet?” asked another.

NK swallowed. Akash & Gaurav looked at each other, their faces reflecting their horror.

Khushi pushed a golgappe into Anamikaji’s mouth, and laughed to see her struggling to swallow it. She turned to Anjali and said, “If only Arnavji were here! It would have been so much fun!”

Anjali frowned slightly. “Where did Chotey and the boys vanish off to? NK Bhai just said that they are dining out.”

Payal sighed.

Khushi smiled happily. “Nanheji arranged a stag party for Arnavji & Ganeshji. Gaurav & Jiju are accompanying them.”

Anjali paled. “A stag party?”

“Ji. As though we are deer!” Khushi laughed.

“You don’t mind, Khushiji? Anjali asked softly.

“Mind? Why should I mind?” Khushi asked, smiling away.

Anjali looked at Payal and Anamika.

“You don’t mind that wannabe models and Bollywood starlets and girls out for a good time will be flirting with your Arnavji?” Anjali asked bluntly.

Khushi looked at her uncomprehendingly.

“Haan, Khushi. How could you let NK Bhai arrange a party like this?” Payal asked.

“But…but…” Khushi whispered.

“But?” Payal asked.

“Nanheji said that he has not invited any girl.” Khushi said, praying desperately that she had not made a huge mistake.

Anjali, Payal, & Anamika smiled. “And you believed him?” Anjali asked.

Khushi’s eyes filled with tears. “Arnavji didn’t want to go. I… I forced him to…”

“Khushi, tum bhi na!” Payal sighed.

Anjali & Anamika smiled at Khushi’s regret, shaking their heads over her folly.

Arnav & Ganesh watched as a girl in a low-cut red gown got on to a table with the help of willing male arms and started singing,

Raat mein hi jaagte hain
Yeh gunaahon ke ghar…

Arnav & Ganesh looked at each other. Akash shut his eyes and put down his drink. Hell was going to break loose any moment if he knew his Bhai.

Inki raahein khole baahein
Jo bhi aaye idhar
Aa haa... She spread her arms wide….

Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaanein jhooti hai…. She bent to touch the faces of the inebriated boys dancing around her table, making them shout their appreciation.

Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi…

Boys threw currency notes at her, and fought amongst themselves to get closer to the table on which she was swaying.

Kal inhi galiyon mein
In masli kaliyon mein
Toh yeh dhoom thi…

Arnav glared at NK who was staring at the performance with shocked eyes. Who had hired this performer?

“Like her?” asked a friend.

“Who the…?” NK asked.

“Nisha. The lady of the night! She is very much in demand for stag parties.” the boy laughed. “Most grooms give her big tips.”

NK swallowed. If Nannav had his way, he would tip the lady of the night over and throw her out of the house! And he would be ably supported by Ganesh. He stole a look at the grim faces of Arnav & Ganesh, and looked away. If Khushiji found out, he was dead meat!

Jo rooh pyaasi hai
Jismein udaasi hai
Woh hai ghoomti….
Sabko talaash wohi
Samjhe ye kaash koi….

The lady signalled her desire to leave her impromptu stage, and many willing male arms helped her down. She landed gracefully on the floor and began walking with slow, purposeful steps towards the grooms, her prey for the night.

Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaanein jhooti hai
Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi….

She reached Arnav and tried to put her arm around his neck. He stepped back, his fury at having his retreat, his farmhouse turned into a mad house by drunken louts travelling like a spark through his veins. He had never brought any one here. He had hoped to spend his honeymoon here, with Khushi… And then to be propositioned by this...this...

Halke ujaalo mein
Halke andhero mein jo ik raaz hai
Kyu kho gaya hai who…

The lady sidled over to Ganesh and tried to lean against him and rub her body against his, giving him a sample of the skills she was known & paid for.

Kya ho gaya hai ki woh naraaz hai
Aye raat itna bataa, tujhko to hoga pata
Aa haa...

The disgust on Ganesh’s face was obvious to even the blind. He stepped away, and the girl lurched, not receiving the prop or the welcome she had expected.

Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaane jhooti hai…

Nisha managed to steady herself with great difficulty, and moved away to more welcoming arms.

Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi…..

As she ended her song,  there was loud applause. A scuffle broke out among the boys vying for her favours. NK, Akash, & Gaurav watched their party being ruined, helpless to prevent the disaster and terrified of the reactions of the grooms.

Arnav caught NK by his collar, and hissed, “I want all of them out. In ten  minutes.”

NK nodded.

“If you need a bouncer, let me know.” Ganesh flexed his muscles.

“I am sorry.” Gaurav said softly. “We had no idea…”

“Bhai, we didn’t hire her. we would never...” Akash gulped.

“I know. But get the whole lot out. NOW. And get the cleaners to scrub the whole house clean.” Arnav ordered.

“Yes, Bhai.” Akash nodded.

Arnav turned away, fed up of the whole mess, to see Khushi, Anamika, Payal, & his Di standing near the door, watching him & Ganesh.

Part 43 Section 8

Kitni Baatein (Lakshya)

 

Sensing Arnav’s stillness, Ganesh, NK, Akash, & Gaurav turned to look towards the entrance. And stood petrified.

“Khushi…” Arnav whispered, his face pale.

“She will kill me, cut me into chotey chotey pieces…” NK murmured.

“Payal…Di…Khushiji…” gasped Akash.

“Mama…” Gaurav said softly.

Ganesh alone stood silent, having nothing to fear. Anamika knew him through and through.

The men looked at the ladies, and the ladies studied them in silence.

Arnav spoke to NK under his breath, “Stop the music. And kick the bunch out. Fast.”

NK nodded and raced away, glad to be doing something to salvage the messy situation.

The music died. The drunken revellers looked around, struck by the silence.

Confused cries demanding music and more beer came from the crowd.

In the midst of this cacophony, Khushi walked purposefully forward. The ladies with her looked uncertainly at her. What was she going to do? Had the sight of the wannabe Bollywood vamp trying to coil her arms around Arnav hurt her so much that she was going to remonstrate with Arnav in public?

Arnav swallowed hard, watching Khushi walk towards him, a set look on her pale face.

But Khushi had no time for him. She stopped in front of Nisha, and gave her a hard slap on her cheek.

“How dare you touch my Arnavji? Or Anamikaji’s Ganeshji? Sharm nahi aati aapko?” Khushi glared at the wilted vamp.

Arnav’s eyes shot wide open. Ganesh smiled at Khushi, and shared his amusement with a smiling Anamika.

Gaurav, NK, & Akash stared at this proactive avatar of their Khushiji with awe.

Khushi turned to the crowd, her ire still burning bright in her.

“And you lot! What are you doing here? Don’t you have homes and parents? It is eleven o’clock. Go home and sleep!” she ordered.

Like sheep, the fully drunk and the on-the-way-to-being-fully-drunk guests trooped out silently, led by Nisha.

NK watched with his mouth open as Khushi cleared the room efficiently.

Once just the family was left, Payal went to Akash, Anjali to Arnav, and Anamika to Ganesh & Gaurav.

Khushi went to NK. “Kya hua, Nanheji?” she asked.

NK gulped. “I told them that girls were not invited. The idiots brought their girlfriends and acquaintances….. and hired a dancer….”

Khushi nodded. She turned to Anjali & the others. “Didn’t I tell you? Nanheji will never lie to me. Nanheji promised me that he had not invited any girls.”

All nodded.

“Shall we go home?” asked Anjali.

All nodded their willingness to put the day behind them.

But Arnav said, “Di, I need to talk to Khushi. Just give us a few minutes alone.”

Anjali nodded. It would be impossible for them to clear the air once they reached RM.

Khushi frowned at him. All looked anxiously at Arnav & Khushi, their eyes moving from one to the other, trying to gauge their mood.

Arnav caught hold of Khushi’s arm and tugged her behind him. He led her away from the hall to his bedroom, saw her in, and shut the door.

He turned to look at her pale face with anxious eyes.

He then caught her arm gently and made her sit on his bed. He kneeled down in front of her, his face close to hers.

“I am sorry, Khushi.” he whispered.

Khushi frowned. “For what?” she asked.

“I am sorry you had to see this…this… I should have made sure that NK had done as instructed, vetted the guest list… done something…anything… I am so sorry, Khushi.” His eyes were moist and slightly red as they looked at her strained expression.

Her eyes filled with big tears, the heavy drops trailing down her cheeks.

“I am the one who should apologise, Arnavji. It is all my fault.” she claimed credit for the debacle. Arnav stared at her in surprise.

“You wanted to cancel the party. You didn’t want to attend it. You wanted to stay at home. I…I.. I forced you to….” Khushi wept.

“Khushi…” Arnav protested, trying to dry her cheeks with his fingers.

“It is all my fault. I am so stupid, Arnavji!” she wept. “Anamikaji tried to tell me what a stag party was, but I didn’t understand. Jiji was angry with me because I forced you to go, but I didn’t understand. Anjaliji had to explain it to me before I could understand….” she wailed.

Arnav said, “Sshhh… Khushi, you are not stupid….”

“I am stupid.” she claimed. “And sanki.”

Arnav shook his head, a small smile taking birth on his lips. “No, you are not.”

“I am.” She was determined to own up.

“You are the dearest girl on earth. My Khushi.” Arnav hugged her, burying his face in her bosom. “The girl who thinks that everyone is like her, innocent and well-meaning.”

Khushi hugged him to her, cradling his head in her arms.

They sat together, silent, happy, at peace.

Finally, Arnav sighed, “I wanted to bring you here for our honeymoon…”

Khushi looked at him.

“But tonight…. It must have left a bad taste in your mouth.” Arnav said sadly.

“Let’s come here tomorrow night.” Khushi suggested.

Arnav stared at her. "You don't mind...?"

"I don't. Ganeshji is taking Anamikaji to a cottage he owns by some lake. If we stay at home, all of them will tease us…” Khushi fretted.

Arnav smiled and nodded.

“Shall we leave now?” Khushi asked. “The others must be waiting…”

Arnav nodded. But he did not let her get up from the bed.

He lifted her right hand and dropped a kiss on her palm.

“So Khushi Kumari Gupta packs a mean punch, hhmm?” he asked, a teasing smile on his lips.

Khushi laughed. “I don’t know, Arnavji. You have to ask that lady.”

“Why did you hit her, Khushi?” Arnav teased.

“Because she dared to touch you. How dare she even look at you?” Khushi fumed.

Arnav bit back glad laughter. “So you are going to hit any girl who looks at me?”

“Yes!” Khushi Kumari Gupta declared. “But only after I pull out her hair and scratch her eyes out!”

Arnav burst out laughing.

Part 43 Section 9

Anjali, Anamika, NK, Akash, Payal, Ganesh, Khushi, Arnav, Gaurav, & Scooby entered the house after the evening’s drama.

“Where are the others, Hari Prakashji?” Anjali asked, a wary look around.

“They went to sleep, Didi, after waiting for you.” HP explained.

All heaved a sigh of relief.

Anjali looked at the 2 couples ready to be married the next day, a smirk on her face. “In a few minutes time, it is going to be your wedding day.”

Anamika & Ganesh smiled at each other. Khushi clapped her hands in excitement and smiled widely into Arnav’s indulgent face. His tender eyes lapped up her joy and revelled in it.

Gaurav, NK, Akash, & Payal smiled at the brides & grooms.

“Let’s leave them alone for a moment.” Anjali dimpled. 

The others laughed and joined her to walk up the stairs. She turned around and said, “Chotey, you and Ganeshji are to sleep in your room.”

Arnav nodded.

Anjali laughed. “I hope you remember that your room is upstairs, not downstairs.”

All laughed at the expense of the blushing brides and flushed grooms, and walked away.

Ganesh smiled into Anamika’s eyes. “Goodnight.” he whispered.

“Goodnight. Sleep tight.” Anamika said, smiling.

Ganesh turned to leave, but found that Anamika had a firm hold on the hem of his T-shirt. He raised an amused eyebrow, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses.

“Tomorrow…” Anamika murmured thoughtfully.

Ganesh’s eyes sharpened. “Tomorrow?”

“I will be Anamika Vidyarthi… It feels strange…new…like I will be  a new person…” Anamika whispered.

Ganesh bent and kissed her on her forehead, his large hands cradling her face. “Whatever your name, you will always be the woman I love.” He looked into her serious eyes with equally serious ones. “Madly. Till my last breath… and if possible, beyond that.”

Khushi looked at Arnav’s face with a pseudo serious expression on hers.

“I feel sorry for you, Arnavji.” she said, her voice dripping regret.

Arnav frowned. “Why, Khushi? What happened?”

“You might live up to 90. You are 28 now.” Khushi said. “62 years. Poor Arnavji!” she sighed.

“What!” Arnav looked perplexed, as he often did at Khushi’s pronouncements.

“What nahi, What the! boliye. You have to put up with my sankiness for the next 62 years. My poor Rakshas!” she laughed.

Arnav crossed his arms and looked at her, his eyes brimming over with love, a smile playing on his lips.

“Arnavji, lower your arms.” Khushi invited.

Arnav lowered his arms obediently, but asked, “Why?”

“So that I can do this, my Laad Governor!” she said as she darted up to him and placed a loud kiss on his cheek before running away giggling.

Arnav stood there, looking at her till the last possible moment, a smile on his face, his hand raised to touch his cheek.

Part 44 to be posted today, in a few hours' time.